What type of CCTV camera should I buy

What type of CCTV camera should I buy?

This is the exact question I had when I was in the search of a CCTV camera for my home couple of years ago. 

If you are one of them, who wants to buy a CCTV camera, but does not know , what type of CCTV camera to buy, then this blog post is for you.

CCTV's are one of the most important parts of a home security system. Earlier these CCTV's were only used in businesses and public places to monitor the activities, but in the past few years, CCTV's are slowly finding their place in home security.

They are gradually becoming an integral part of any home as far as home security is concerned.

That has been possible because of advancements in technologies and of course the affordability of these surveillance systems.

Today you can buy a CCTV camera for as low as 2K.

In this post, I am going to introduce you to the 9 different types of CCTV cameras which are available in the market.

This post will help you to identify the different types of CCTV cameras based on their functionality.

1. Dome Camera

Dome Cameras are named after their shape. They are typically used for indoor security systems. The dome shape of these cameras allows them to be inconspicuous because it is hard to tell the direction the cameras are facing, however being still visible to the eyes. 

They are widely used in retail spaces. Since they are installed on the ceiling of the room they are mostly vandal proof. Some dome cameras are designed with infrared illuminators which enable them to capture videos in low light conditions.

Purpose
Video Surveillance in Retail Stores and Offices

2. Bullet Camera

Bullet Cameras have a long and tapered cylinder-like design that resembles an oversized ammo cartridge. They are mostly used outdoors, especially in areas where long viewing is necessary.

 However, they can be used indoors where the long viewing is required like backyards and parking lots. They are installed inside protective casings and are typically weatherproof. 

Most bullet cameras come with a fixed length that allows the angle of view of up to 80 degrees. A bullet camera is usually fitted with a fixed or varifocal lens.

Purpose

Long-distance surveillance up to 40 Ft
Outdoors weatherproof surveillance

3. C-Mount Camera

C-Mount CCTV Camera can use detachable lenses to suit different purposes. Typically, a CCTV Camera can record up to 35 feet, however, if you need surveillance beyond this distance, a C-Mount Camera with a particular lens can achieve that purpose. 

A varifocal lens is often used to fine-tune focal distance and the angle of view. They can be zoomed in and out without losing focus.

Purpose
To achieve variable zoom in surveillance

4. Day/Night CCTV Camera

These types of CCTV cameras can be used in both poorly lit and standard environments. 
Mostly used outdoors, these surveillance units have a wide dynamic range and can function under direct sunlight, glare or reflections. 

They are used 24×7, and these cameras do not require an infrared illuminator as they come with an extra sensitive imagining chip which is used in the dark.

Purpose
For 24×7 surveillance
Often in low light conditions

5. Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Camera

It is possible to pan, tilt, and zoom PTZ cameras. That is the reason they are called PTZ cameras :)  

It gives a surveillance operator the freedom to pan, tilt and zooms the lens. You can manually control these cameras or program them to follow an accurate view of things. Since these cameras can be monitored using live controls, they are employed in highly sensitive zones where live monitoring is required.

Purpose
PTZ Cameras are to achieve responsiveness

6. High Definition CCTV Camera

HD CCTV Cameras can record at high frame rates and at HD quality which is comparatively at a higher resolution than other CCTV Cameras. This type of camera can capture finer details while giving the operator the option to zoom in without losing picture quality.

Purpose
At highly niche places HD CCTV cameras work well eg. casinos and banks
Casino managers often check if a player is counting cards or not through this camera

7. Infrared/Night Vision CCTV Camera

When we need to see what’s happening in the dark then a night-vision CCTV camera can help us. It is able to see when lighting is poor or absolute darkness. The technology behind this is Infrared LEDs. Do you need this kind of CCTV Camera?

Purpose

Used for monitoring in poor light or complete darkness.

8. Network/IP CCTV Camera

The IP camera can transmit recordings over the internet. It may or may not require a wire connection. Yes, it also works on wireless technology. In comparison to the analog camera is easy to install. It is possible to send recording over a far distance without requiring any power boost using a cable.

9. Wireless CCTV Camera

Do not get confused between wireless and wire-free CCTV Cameras.

A wireless or WiFi CCTV camera is the one,  in which you can connect to the internet without the wire(WiFi). However, you still need a wire to power the CCTV camera.

In the case of the wire-free camera, you do not even the power cord to power CCTV camera, as it has the inbuilt battery which powers the camera. Now, this makes the CCTV camera portable, and it works in case of electricity failure.

As we have discussed 9 different types of CCTV cameras based on their features, I hope, now it be will easier for you to decide which CCTV camera to buy based on your needs.

If you know any other types of CCTV cameras, and you think I should include that CCTV camera in this list, then put the name in the comments below and I will include that CCTV camera in this blog post.